Latest news with #CyberDefender
The Star
29-04-2025
- The Star
Hongkonger conned out of HK$2mil trying to recover HK$5,000 lost in scam
Fraudster claimed to know a 'team' that could help recover funds lost in scams, but told victim she had to pay a deposit first, police say. — SCMP A Hong Kong woman has been duped out of an additional HK$2mil (RM1.12mil or US$257,824) after a swindler posing as a victim offered to help her recover HK$5,000 (RM2,789) she lost earlier in an online shopping scam, according to police. The force said on April 28 that the fraudster claimed to know a 'team' that could help recover funds lost in scams, but told the victim that she had to pay a deposit for its services. The woman, 37, was tricked into the recovery scheme earlier this month after a person on Telegram told her he had also been scammed. On their CyberDefender Facebook page, police revealed that 'this person pretended to be another victim and falsely claimed that a team behind such scams had successfully recovered the losses'. The fraudster then instructed the woman to pay the deposit to access those services. 'Believing the claim, the victim transferred money to the scammer 13 times within one week, totalling nearly HK$2mil,' police said. After discussing the situation with friends, she realised she had been scammed again and subsequently reported the case to police last week. Last year, police issued a reminder to the public regarding the dangers of recovery scams, noting that fraudsters often target people who have already been victims. In June last year, the force highlighted a rising trend of fraudulent websites and companies falsely claiming to recover lost money under the pretence of being private investigators or legal service providers. These organisations primarily advertised online, seeking to exploit victims further. The force said that fraudsters often preyed on victims' urgent desire to recover lost money, 'claiming they can use lawyers or even police officers to assist in retrieving funds,' thereby initiating a 'second scam'. Police urged the public to remain vigilant about anyone or any organisation claiming they could recover lost money, as victims might end up being scammed again. 'Police will never instruct victims to transfer money or request online banking passwords. If someone claims to be a police officer and you are unsure of their identity, call the 'Anti-Scam Helpline 18222' for verification,' the force said. Before seeking help from professionals, people should thoroughly cross-check their background and qualifications, and examine their credibility through various sources, it added. Official statistics showed that the total amount of money Hong Kong residents lost in online shopping scams increased by 87% to HK$356mil (RM198.64mil) last year. Officers handled 11,559 online shopping fraud cases in 2024, marking a 29.2% increase from 8,950 cases in 2023. Correspondingly, monetary losses surged from HK$191mil (RM106.57mil). To help the public identify fraudulent schemes, authorities encouraged the use of the police's 'Scameter' search engine to verify suspicious websites, emails, usernames, bank accounts, mobile numbers and IP addresses. Reports of online shopping fraud accounted for 37% of all technology-related crimes last year. In 2024, police handled 33,903 technology-related crime cases, resulting in financial losses totalling HK$5.129bil (RM2.86bil). – South China Morning Post
South China Morning Post
29-04-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hongkonger conned out of HK$2 million trying to recover HK$5,000 lost in scam
A Hong Kong woman has been duped out of an additional HK$2 million (US$257,824) after a swindler posing as a victim offered to help her recover HK$5,000 she lost earlier in an online shopping scam, according to police. Advertisement The force said on Monday that the fraudster claimed to have known a 'team' who could help recover funds lost in scams, but told the victim that she had to pay a deposit. The woman, 37, was tricked into the other fraud earlier this month after a person on Telegram told her he had also been scammed. On their CyberDefender Facebook page, police revealed that 'this person pretended to be another victim and falsely claimed that a team behind such scams had successfully recovered the losses.' The fraudster then instructed the woman to pay the deposit to access these services. Advertisement 'Believing the claim, the victim transferred money to the scammer 13 times within one week, totalling nearly HK$2 million,' police said. After discussing the situation with friends, she realised she had been scammed again and subsequently reported the case to police last week.
South China Morning Post
26-04-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Nearly 100 Hongkongers lose HK$90 million in 1 week through investment scams
Nearly 100 Hongkongers have been scammed out of HK$90 million (US$11.6 million) in just one week by online fraudsters posing as investment experts to lure victims into betting on cryptocurrency and stocks by offering fake insider knowledge and tips. Advertisement One 84-year-old businessman suffered the largest single loss when he was deceived into investing in cryptocurrency, losing nearly HK$10 million, according to police. The businessman encountered the scammer, who posed as the CEO of a data company, through messaging platform WeChat. 'He transferred close to HK$10 million to accounts controlled by the scammers through 14 transactions,' the force revealed on its CyberDefender Facebook page. Another victim, a 43-year-old clerical worker, lost her HK$1.8 million savings along with a HK$1 million loan she had taken out. Advertisement The woman connected with a supposed investment expert on Telegram and was tricked into investing in Hang Seng Index futures on a bogus trading platform. 'In just two weeks, she made 17 transactions, transferring over HK$2.8 million to accounts provided by the scammer,' police said. 'Sadly, she lost all her savings and ended up HK$1 million in debt.'
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green Keynotes GovCIO Media & Research's CyberScape Summit
FAIRFAX, Va., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green will serve as the keynote speaker at GovCIO Media & Research's annual CyberScape Summit on April 3 in Bethesda, Maryland. Green will deliver a fireside chat on the critical issues and policies influencing cybersecurity and workforce priorities in government. Panel sessions will feature leadership from the Defense Department, Navy, State Department, National Institute of Standards & Technology, FBI and other key agencies to discuss the future of AI in government, protecting critical infrastructure, data security and cyber resiliency. Attendees will enjoy a networking lunch followed by a presentation of the CyberScape Flywheel Awards, where GovCIO Media & Research will induct five federal technologists into its Hall of Transformers for categories including Cybersecurity Rising Star, Cyber Defender, Zero Trust Advocate, Cyber Leader and CISO of the Year. "We're excited to bring together federal and industry experts to discuss technology's key role in cybersecurity and safeguarding our digital systems," said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research. "This event will provide a space to forge partnerships, share strategies and explore the future of IT in strengthening our nation's security." Visit GovCIO Media & Research's CyberScape Summit event page to view the full agenda, speaker lineup and register for this must-attend event. About GovCIO Media & Research GovCIO Media & Research, an independent media company owned by GovCIO, provides insights and analysis on federal IT innovation and is the leading industry solutions resource. Our team utilizes a multi-platform approach to today's most pressing issues through video, podcasts, events, articles and special reports that keep federal IT decision-makers informed of technology's impact on government. Visit for more information. Media Contact Jules Patel Content Specialist View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GovCIO Media & Research
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Defense Leaders Gather to Drive the Future of National Security at Defense IT Summit
FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GovCIO Media & Research, a leading federal technology media company, is hosting its annual Defense IT Summit on February 27 from 8:00am - 1:30pm at the Ritz Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, VA. The event will kick off with a fireside chat with Department of Defense (DOD) Acting CIO Leslie Beavers, who will discuss DOD's top priorities for the year, offering insights into the future of 5G, cybersecurity and more. Morning sessions will include experts from the Army, Navy, DOD Cyber Crime Center and more to discuss zero trust architectures, advancements in CJADC2, driving innovation within the DOD and leveraging IT capabilities to empower missions. Attendees will enjoy a networking lunch followed by a presentation of the Defense IT Flywheel Awards, where GovCIO Media & Research will induct five federal technologists into its Hall of Transformers for categories including Rising Star, Emerging Tech Innovator, Cyber Defender, Digital Transformer and Data Advocate. The summit will conclude with a panel on the role of AI in transforming defense missions. "We're looking forward to bringing together key leaders and innovators to explore the critical role of technology in defense," said Michael Hoffman, President, GovCIO Media & Research. "This event will provide a space to discuss collaborations, exchange ideas and discuss the future of IT in supporting our nation's security and defense priorities." Visit GovCIO Media & Research's Defense IT Summit event page to view the full agenda, speaker lineup and register for this must-attend annual event. About GovCIO Media & Research GovCIO Media & Research, an independent media company owned by GovCIO, provides insights and analysis on federal IT innovation and is the leading industry solutions resource. Our team utilizes a multi-platform approach to today's most pressing issues through video, podcasts, events, articles and special reports that keep federal IT decision-makers informed of technology's impact on government. Visit for more information. Media Contact Jules PatelContent View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GovCIO Media & Research Sign in to access your portfolio
